Academic Pursuits

For some reason, I can never spell "pursuits" correctly. I know it's just "pur" and "suits," but I can't seem to reconcile the two. Why can't syllables all just get along in my head?
I've been writing a paper all morning, and all afternoon. It's technically due in 20 minutes. I am definitely not going to class. For some reason, I'm completely mentally blocked. It's a subject I find fascinating - legal pluralism, and its application in Supreme Court cases in Canada - but I'm all over the place. Normally I can write 8 pages in about 2 hours, no problem. I guess normally I've already done the readings too, but still. I'm on hour 5 and I've only got 3 pages done. This feels like an episode of Dr. Who where I get stuck in some sort of space-time continuum and keep going back to what I've already written but not recognizing when I wrote it or why it made sense at the time. Weird, right? Also incredibly frustrating. I even missed what was sure to be one of the best classes of the semester in my Rights and Freedoms course - R v. Morgentaler. I had all kinds of wicked background on that case, plus lots of info on the next SCC Morgentaler case about the Halifax abortion clinic, but instead I had to sit here writing this stupid piece of shit. And I mean that; I know it's not going to be one of my better, fluid, here's-my-clear-and-well-stated-argument-that-you-will-use-as-an-example-of-wicked-writing papers. The SCC decision is 80 pages, the legal pluralism article I need to reference in relation is 30 pages, and the paper's just 7-8. I'm just going through frantically, finding evidence and building my arguments as I go along.
The next time I'm all set to hang out and do nothing instead of writing a paper with one of you, remind me of this moment. I'm going to try and refocus. And maybe eat some Greek salad (I'm also inexplicably adverse to eating anything today, which might be contributing to my lack of focus, but I'm just 100% not hungry. When does that ever happen?!).

Tattoos.

I've been thinking about getting a tattoo for a while. I could never decide on a really good one; I'm far too fickle-minded to really commit, you know? But I think I've finally picked a winner:



BAM. Pretty serious, amirite? Those of you who aren't gigantic nerds should know that it's the Jedi Order symbol.

The Genius of Brian Fuller

I started watching Dead Like Me with my old boss, in the middle of the first season. I didn't like it at first, then I was bored one day and decided to give it another shot. 5 years later, re-watching season 1, I remember how fucking awesome this show is.
The series follows George Lass, an 18 year old misanthrope who dies after being hit by a flaming toilet seat that fell from a Soviet space station. She joins the ranks of the Undead; no crossing over into the whatever-the-fuck-comes next, but instead becomes a grim reaper. Her new boss is Rube (played by the ever brilliant Mandy Patinkin), who doles out the assignments to her and the rest of their little group. Lost yet? OK. Reapers don't kill anyone, or decide when someone dies, but they are given post-its with names, locations, and times. They subtly take the souls of the soon-to-be-dead, so that the soul can cross over without getting trapped in the body. There's more to it, but you'll have to watch to really get it. This lifestyle's contrasted with George's day job (after all, reaping is a public service and there's no payment involved) at an Office Space-type temp agency, as well as insight into her family's attempts to move on after her untimely death.
It's a black comedy that's filled with poignancy, seriously ironic deaths, and fuckups (these particular reapers are around for murders, accidents, and series of unfortunate events). The characters are intriguing and flawed, and Callum Blue's British hotness is worth sitting through Laura Harris' irritating accent. Brian Fuller (who's responsible for Pushing Daisies, a show I hear is awesome too) was booted off the show partway through the first season for "creative differences," but it's still worth checking out through to the end of the second season. It's cancellation was met with a raw fury from fans a la Arrested Development and Veronica Mars, and apparently there's a straight to DVD movie coming out early next year that was shot here in Montreal. No Mandy means it might just suck, but I'll be watching anyway.

For Your Consideration.

I got up this morning, thinking about how quickly I could spit out a paper (I did 2 in about 3 hours yesterday - suck it, Concordia). (Wait, I love you - I watched a Seinfeld episode in class on Monday). (Oh come on, don't be like that). (Fine, take a few days to cool off, then we'll talk about it, okay?). I started my morning routine of teeth-brushing, putting the kettle on, and opening up the ol' internets... and then I simultaneously get an email and text message from Concordia saying my only class today is cancelled! Oh internet, I love you so much. I checked out the Concordia website - just in case - and it's confirmed. Ahh, days off. They're much more fun when I have money and things to do, really, but I'll take what I can get. I'm idealistically planning on doing some laundry (if I can scrape up 10 bucks to do a bunch of loads, anyway) and getting my apartment all set for possible guests this weekend, as well as writing that paper and another one for next week. It could happen.
Otherwise, I plan on wasting as much time as possible. In that celebratory vein, I decided to link up some of the favourites I've been storing up for the past while. I read a lot of weird news/blog sites that always give me some interesting stories, and I save 'em all up for future lolz. In the holiday spirit (because apparently there were flurries this morning? wtf Karley?!) I want to share, in case you need to waste some time on a computer today as well.

Emilio Estevez Decides to Make D4 himself.(About damn time. Thanks, Emilio!)
Millenium Falcon Wedding Cake Gallery. "Being a nerd has never been so delicious!"
Saved By The Bell Quote of the Day. Even though it hasn't been updated in a while, I still love the archives. And SBtB.
Video: Kirk Cameron Proves God's Existence with a Banana.
Members of Twisted Sister Now Willing to Take It.
David Sedaris' Analysis of the "Undecided" voters from the New Yorker.
Morbid Home Decor.
Video: John McCain Accidentally Left on Campaign Bus Overnight. (The Onion, guys. It's The Onion.)


Enjoy.
ps-Just remembered I was going to post New York stories. Those'll come later.

Not a moment too soon...

Stepping in to replace the age-old tradition of rickrolling, please welcome the Barackroll. No, I'm not kidding. Must be seen to be believed. Since the rickroll is practically ancient in internet years (apparently new Firefox comes with a rickroll filter?!), they needed to make some changes. Check it.

New York.

18 hours on the bus, hundreds of dollars, very little sleep... and so fucking worth it. Pictures now, stories to follow.

New York - Columbus Day Weekend

Against ME!, Ted Leo, Future of the Left

oh hai!

Well, I finally took a step toward my life-long goal: appearing on Jeopardy. That's right. I share a bond with Alex Trebek (we have the same birthday, which I think gives us a little somethin' special), and I keep track of how many questions I answer correctly every episode (tonight: 39/58). Last week when checking out the Jeopardy site (because that's how I roll) I noticed they were having an online qualification test on October 1st. Bam. Nothing in the requirements saying I had to be American, so I entered. Tonight I took the test - no results yet - and from those, there's a random selection for contestants to go to an audition city and try out in person. Mine would be Boston. It's a long shot, but at least I'm trying! There's a college tournament for spring break, I think - that's 11 or 12 contestants, and I've at least got a chance, right? Right. Keep your fingers crossed.
Mad Men is awesome. The latest episode was wicked from start to finish. Killer dialogue, a few actual lulz, Marilyn Monroe's death, and drama abound. Dexter premiered this week too - finally watched Sunday's episode this morning. Worth the wait.
Anyway, that's what's keeping me busy these days. Cable shows and trivia. Not bad.